Using ‘blended learning’ for courses: Opinion

University of British Columbia associate professor Dr Siobhán McPhee and PhD candidate Micheal Jerowsky discuss the benefits of ‘blended learning’ and provide tips for using this teaching strategy. ‘Blended learning’ is a combination of face-to-face and virtual learning using online technologies. A survey conducted by the authors in a first-year geography course revealed that most students were excited and somewhat anxious about learning new technologies. The survey also indicated that students found a blended approach to be helpful for maintaining motivation while working at their own pace and benefited from using digital tools such as Microsoft teams to collaborate. The authors emphasize four key insights for blended classrooms: Use easy-to-use digital tools, centre blended classrooms on students, choose digital tools that support learning objectives, and consider how students’ ability to use these tools can be enhanced. The Conversation Note: Archived stories may contain dead links or be missing source links.